The Butcher Shop is a popular community event that began as a backyard show 28 years

ago in the summer of 1989. Conceived by Denver and Dylan Latimer and Casey Simpson, it grew out of Chico's homegrown theatrical and musical talent, and from these efforts Chico’s Blue Room Theatre was born. In 2009, many of the original players—some now working in Los Angeles, New York, and Portland—reunited and added fresh Chico talent to create the current Butcher Shop event, now produced by Slow Theatre.

Known for its captivating visuals, avant garde style and off-beat humor, The Butcher Shop production is a dramatic spectacle of original theatre, music, and art, taking place under the stars in a lovely orchard setting on the edge of Chico. Dozens of writers, artists performers and musicians come together to produce an experience that audiences have called “magical,” “awesome” and “the real deal—cult classic entertainment.”

Admission is free (donations are gratefully accepted).

Grounds open each night at 5:30pm, with bar and food trucks. Bring blankets/chairs if you wish; some seating is available.

Visitors may also wander through the sculpture garden—this year sponsored/curated by 1078 Gallery—before the main show starts at 8pm.

Bicycling and walking are encouraged; parking is available for $5. No dogs allowed.

Limited reserved seating is available with a Supporters Circle ticket—$25 covers one reserved seat and parking for one vehicle on one night—available at The Bookstore (118 Main Street, Chico) beginning August 1. Please pay by check (made out to Slow Theatre) or cash.

Butcher Shop producer Slow Theatre is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to enrich, educate, and entertain our community by providing an excellent and diverse theatre experience, drawing from local, national, and international writers, many of whom are not mainstream playwrights.